Hunting Knives Missoula MT

Local resource for hunting knives in Missoula. Includes detailed information on local businesses that provide access to knives, cutlery, cold steel knives, pocket knives, Swiss Army knives, survival knives, buck knives, bowie knives and information on hunting, as well as advice and content on survival in the wild.

How to Select a Good Pocket Knife

Since the beginning of time, mankind has had both the desire and need for good quality knives. Earlier in history this need was often hunting or protection based. In the beginning knives were usually made of flint or crudely shaped from wood, but as man developed, so did the knife. It was only natural as man discovered and put new metals into use the knife blade was soon made of these fresh materials. History has recorded common man-made knives of flint, copper, bronze, and iron. And, of course, the current use of steel has completely changed knives to the point that they are now not only useful but very high in overall quality. Additionally, as new metals and materials are discovered, who knows what the future holds for the development of the simple knife.

Most of us who spend time in the outdoors carry at least one knife and many of us carry more than two. I suggest we all carry a sheath knife along with a pocket knife of some sort, so we have a back up or a knife for special uses. Keep in mind neither the sheath skinning knife nor the pocket knife was designed to do the same jobs. Since I covered the skinning knife in an earlier article, let’s look at pocket knives.

There are many different types and styles of "pocket" knives on the market today, but I want to discuss the pen knife, jack knife, and multi-purpose knife, all three of which are very common designs. We have all seen them, but do you know the difference and which design is the best one for you? If you are like most outdoors people, you just pick up a knife that happens to attract your eye just as long as it has a good design. But, there is much more to it than simple visual attraction, especially when your life may one day depend on the selected knife.

A jack knife is simply hinged at one end, but it may have more than one blade at the hinge (see figure #1). I prefer a jack knife with more than one blade and I carry one as a backup in my survival kit. Of course the blades fold into the handle and the knife is safe to carry, either in your pocket on in a small pocket knife sheath. A jack knife is thought to be the most popular type of pocket knife among backpackers, hunters, fishermen, campers, and the military.

The Multi-blade knives (Boy and Girl Scouts knives, Swiss Army knife, and Tool Pocket Kits) are the second most purchased pocketknife design sold today (see figure #2). Usually they have scissors, corkscrew, screwdrivers, can openers, perhaps a wrench, tooth pick, and everything else but the kitchen sink. We have all seen them and I dislike them due to their bulkiness and additional weight. Some of these multi-bladed knives can have dozens of various blades, most of which will never be used in the woods. I know some of these knives are made to very high standards and are of excellent quality, but I still question how that can be with so many attachments. I guess each of us can decide which design is best, but as a frequent backpacker, I refuse to pack weight I canno...

Hunting Knife Basics

We have all seen the movies where the main character is carrying a knife with a blade at least a foot long (Bowie or Rambo types). While it looks impressive, it isn’t really very practical. As an experienced hunter, it is always easy for me to spot the newest member of the hunting group who usually has very little experience in the woods. They almost always show up wearing a knife modeled after their favorite action movie star, and, unlike the movies, our new hunter has to live with his or her knife selection for the duration of the hunt.

Knives. How much do we really know about them? As a hunter, I have found a good sheath knife can be a real lifesaver. I cannot make you a knife expert in one small article, but I can give you a few pointers that may assist you in selecting a knife that will work the best for you in the field. Also, keep in mind, there are many different kinds of knives on the market and they are all designed for different uses, but let’s look at the components of a typical sheath knife.

The Blade, is the metal that extends from the handle. The blade has the cutting surface ground onto it. It also comes in various lengths and shapes. Each blade shape is designed for a particular task. Some knife blades are for filleting, skinning, chopping, and so on. Additionally, some blades are made of better steel than others. I won’t get into all the different metals that can be used to make knives, except to say, I prefer a 440C blade. I have found it to hold an edge well, is strong enough for about any task I would require of it, and is a good metal composite. Cheap knife blades will either be impossible to sharpen, or will not hold an edge. Also, at least make sure your knife is made of stainless steel which reduces rusting and corrosion. Other good knife blade materials are 420HC and ATS-34 steel, although they both come at a premium cost.

The Point. I think most readers know this part of the knife. This part is usually used for gutting game, piercing, or stabbing. It is also is the most dangerous part of the knife. It should always be sheathed or covered when not in use. Never walk or run with an uncovered knife in your hands.

The Tip. The forward one fourth of the blade. It does most of the cutting and separating. The tip also includes the point.

The Cutting Edge, well, it is just that. It is the tapered length of the blade that is sharpened and designed to cut. There are many different types of edges available, but I prefer a straight edge. I have found they are better in the field for me because I can sharpen them quickly and keep them sharp with less effort. The type of edge, just like the metal used in the blade, is an individual choice. Serrated cutting edges are nice for cutting cord or other tough surfaces; however sharpening serrated edges takes more time and in some cases special sharpening tools. ...

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